As parents, we do everything we can to keep our children happy, healthy, and safe. As realistic parents, we know that although we will always do everything to protect them, we cannot keep them in a bubble. Unfortunately, there are bad and negative things in the world that could generate a lot of fear in our children, influencing their way of seeing and living life.
Therefore, it is important that in addition to preparing them to face the complications and challenges of life in the long term, we do everything possible to avoid educating them in fear, preparing them instead to make this world a more beautiful place .
Yes, the world is not rosy
As much as all parents would like, the world is not an idyllic or harmonious place. There are tragedies, wars, natural disasters, pandemics and many other things that undoubtedly cause fears and fears. All these situations are issues that we should talk about with our children sooner or later .
Of course, it is important that we do it properly, waiting for the moment when they have a certain maturity and adapting the explanations according to their age . Talking to them honestly, making sure they feel protected and clarifying all their doubts, is the best way to touch on sensitive issues with them.
However, although it is important that we do not hide difficult situations from our children, we must not make the mistake of educating them in fear . Once kids get to know that “ugly” side of the world, it’s normal for them to be disappointed or see life differently. But if we are not careful with this, knowing those negative parts of life can trigger reactions such as nightmares, fears, tantrums, anger and of course sadness and rage.
Therefore, when the time comes to discuss these issues with them (because it is convenient for them to be aware that there are also negative things), there is another very important thing that we as parents must do: remind them that not everything is bad and that there are many things good in the world .
Teach them to make this world a better place
Of course, and as we made clear from the beginning, we are not talking about educating them in a bubble or as if the world were “flower power” , but about understanding that -despite the negative things that may exist- we should not see the world as a fearful or terrifying place, nor as an apocalyptic place.
In addition to reminding and showing our children that the world is a place full of good things and helping them to maintain hope, it is important to emphasize that a large part of these things are the efforts of millions of people, and that they too can (and should) be part of those good things .
Educating them in peace and teaching them values such as resilience and hope are basic and elementary things that should not be missing in raising children. Teach them to be generous, kind and understanding with others through an upbringing in which respect and communication prevail.
It is proven that children raised with love, compassion and empathy are more generous with others, and that adolescents who have a close and strong bond with their parents tend to be more empathic with their peers.
Tell them about the people who, in the midst of tragedies or bad news, reach out to others and care to support or help in the best way possible . And above all, teach him (by example) about the little acts of kindness that shine in the dark, and that he can do to make the world a beautiful place.
